Smoked Salmon Cream Cheese Bagel Recipe

Bagels: A classic base for this recipe, providing a chewy and satisfying texture.

Vegan cream cheese: A dairy-free alternative to traditional cream cheese, offering a creamy and tangy flavor.

Smoked carrot strips: A vegan substitute for smoked salmon, delivering a smoky and savory taste.

Capers: Small, tangy, and briny buds that add a burst of flavor.

Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp and slightly sweet crunch.

Fresh dill: Chopped to add a fresh, herbaceous note to the dish.

To achieve the perfect texture for your smoked carrot strips, marinate them in a mixture of liquid smoke, soy sauce, and a touch of maple syrup for at least an hour before smoking or roasting. This will infuse them with a rich, smoky flavor that mimics traditional smoked salmon.

• sliced bagels - Substitute with whole grain bagels: Whole grain bagels provide more fiber and nutrients, making them a healthier option.

• vegan cream cheese - Substitute with cashew cream cheese: Cashew cream cheese is a rich and creamy alternative that is also vegan and can be made at home for a fresher taste.

• smoked carrot strips - Substitute with smoked tomato slices: Smoked tomato slices offer a similar smoky flavor and a different texture that can add variety to the dish.

• capers - Substitute with pickled jalapeños: Pickled jalapeños add a spicy kick and a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients well.

• thinly sliced red onion - Substitute with thinly sliced shallots: Shallots have a milder and sweeter flavor compared to red onions, which can be more appealing to some palates.

• chopped fresh dill - Substitute with chopped fresh parsley: Fresh parsley provides a bright, slightly peppery flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the bagel.

• Allow the bagels to cool completely before storing to prevent sogginess.
• Store the vegan cream cheese separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Keep the smoked carrot strips in a sealed container to maintain their smoky flavor and texture.
• Place the capers in a small jar with their brine to keep them fresh and tangy.
• Store the thinly sliced red onion in a zip-lock bag or airtight container to prevent them from drying out.
• Keep the chopped fresh dill wrapped in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag to maintain its freshness.
• For freezing, wrap each bagel half tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This will help prevent freezer burn.
• Label the freezer bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
• When ready to enjoy, thaw the bagels at room temperature or toast them directly from the freezer.
• Reassemble the smoked salmon cream cheese bagel with the stored ingredients just before serving for the best taste and texture.

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the bagels in aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Place them in the oven for about 10 minutes or until they are warmed through.
• For a quicker method, use a toaster oven. Set it to a low heat setting and place the bagels inside for 5-7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid over-toasting.
• If you're in a rush, you can use the microwave. Place the bagels on a microwave-safe plate and cover them with a damp paper towel. Microwave on medium power for 20-30 seconds. This helps retain moisture and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
• For a stovetop method, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the bagels cut-side down and cover the skillet with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes or until warmed through.
• If you have an air fryer, preheat it to 300°F (150°C). Place the bagels inside and heat for 3-5 minutes. This method will give you a slightly crispy texture while keeping the inside warm and soft.

• Toaster: Used to toast the bagels until they are golden brown.

• Spreading knife: Essential for spreading a generous amount of vegan cream cheese on each half of the bagel.

• Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for slicing the red onion and chopping the fresh dill.

• Chef's knife: Ideal for thinly slicing the red onion and chopping the fresh dill.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the vegan cream cheese, smoked carrot strips, capers, red onion, and fresh dill accurately.

• Serving plate: To serve the assembled bagels immediately and enjoy.

Pre-slice ingredients: Pre-slice the bagels, red onion, and dill in advance to save time during assembly.

Use pre-made cream cheese: Opt for store-bought vegan cream cheese to avoid making it from scratch.

Batch smoke carrots: Smoke a large batch of carrot strips and store them in the fridge for quick use.

Organize toppings: Arrange the capers, smoked carrot strips, and other toppings in small bowls for easy access.

Toast multiple bagels: Toast several bagels at once to streamline the process.